Two Sides...a few Thoughts.

Growing up as a young boy (very, very, young) in the 60's I knew about the racial tension and the plight of African Americans to secure equal rights.  I knew about it from a great distance since I lived and moved about in a lily white existence.  It wasn't that we were segregated from anyone of color by choice, it was just the fact of living in rural northern Indiana during a time when venturing out of your community didn't happen much, especially for me.  The closest I came to interaction with an African American would be on the basketball court when I was a little older.  In my home, I was told that color wasn't an issue for how you treated someone.  I grew up singing: "Jesus Loves the Little Children, all the children of the world, red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the World."  

Because I grew up in a "white cocoon" I wasn't aware of the struggles facing the African American community regarding prejudice and the reality of their existence in many places of America because of skin color and bias.  I cannot begin to imagine what it's like for an African American pastor who drives through neighborhoods and is routinely pulled over and knows he better place both hands out the window in order to signify to the officer he has no weapon in his hands. 

The situation in Ferguson, MO is not as cut and dried as some from both sides of the issue try to make it.  There are complexities based on political bias's, economic realities, media ratings, historical facts, and evil intentions.  As I have watched, listened, and read about the events, I feel inadequate to offer much to the discussion other than, this is NOT how God intends for us to live.  Because of my inexperience in the African American community, I cannot offer a verdict to the reality they face daily.  I'm saddened by the events, the death of a young man, the uncertainty of what life will be like for a police officer who was trying to do his job, the community that is being ripped apart by violence (not necessarily by the residents of the community), a nation that can't seem to get a handle on how to live together.  

In a recent post written by Benjamin Watson, Tight End for the New Orleans Saints shares his thoughts surrounding the issue at hand. I think his perspective as an African American can help in this issue.

At some point while I was playing or preparing to play Monday Night Football, the news broke about the Ferguson Decision. After trying to figure out how I felt, I decided to write it down. Here are my thoughts:

 I'M ANGRY because the stories of injustice that have been passed down for generations seem to be continuing before our very eyes.

I'M FRUSTRATED, because pop culture, music and movies glorify these types of police citizen altercations and promote an invincible attitude that continues to get young men killed in real life, away from safety movie sets and music studios.

I'M FEARFUL because in the back of my mind I know that although I'm a law abiding citizen I could still be looked upon as a "threat" to those who don't know me. So I will continue to have to go the extra mile to earn the benefit of the doubt.

I'M EMBARRASSED because the looting, violent protests, and law breaking only confirm, and in the minds of many, validate, the stereotypes and thus the inferior treatment.

I'M SAD, because another young life was lost from his family, the racial divide has widened, a community is in shambles, accusations, insensitivity hurt and hatred are boiling over, and we may never know the truth about what happened that day.

I'M SYMPATHETIC, because I wasn't there so I don't know exactly what happened. Maybe Darren Wilson acted within his rights and duty as an officer of the law and killed Michael Brown in self defense like any of us would in the circumstance. Now he has to fear the backlash against himself and his loved ones when he was only doing his job. What a horrible thing to endure. OR maybe he provoked Michael and ignited the series of events that led to him eventually murdering the young man to prove a point.

I'M OFFENDED, because of the insulting comments I've seen that are not only insensitive but dismissive to the painful experiences of others.

I'M CONFUSED, because I don't know why it's so hard to obey a policeman. You will not win!!! And I don't know why some policeman abuse their power. Power is a responsibility, not a weapon to brandish and lord over the populace.

I'M INTROSPECTIVE, because sometimes I want to take "our" side without looking at the facts in situations like these. Sometimes I feel like it's us against them. Sometimes I'm just as prejudiced as people I point fingers at. And that's not right. How can I look at white skin and make assumptions but not want assumptions made about me? That's not right.

I'M HOPELESS, because I've lived long enough to expect things like this to continue to happen. I'm not surprised and at some point my little children are going to inherit the weight of being a minority and all that it entails.

I'M HOPEFUL, because I know that while we still have race issues in America, we enjoy a much different normal than those of our parents and grandparents. I see it in my personal relationships with teammates, friends and mentors. And it's a beautiful thing.

I'M ENCOURAGED, because ultimately the problem is not a SKIN problem, it is a SIN problem. SIN is the reason we rebel against authority. SIN is the reason we abuse our authority. SIN is the reason we are racist, prejudiced and lie to cover for our own. SIN is the reason we riot, loot and burn. BUT I'M ENCOURAGED because God has provided a solution for sin through the his son Jesus and with it, a transformed heart and mind. One that's capable of looking past the outward and seeing what's truly important in every human being. The cure for the Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner tragedies is not education or exposure. It's the Gospel. So, finally, I'M ENCOURAGED because the Gospel gives mankind hope.